Minamoto Yoritomo

Minamoto Yoritomo, (born 1147, Japan—died Feb. 9, 1199, Kamakura), founder of the bakufu, or shogunate, a system whereby feudal lords ruled Japan for 700 years.

Defying the emperor, Yoritomo established shugo (constables) and jitō (district stewards) throughout the Japanese provinces, thus undermining the central government’s local administrative power, and in 1192 he acquired the title of supreme commander (shogun) over the shugo and jitō.

Aristocratic and military background

Yoritomo was of noble and, as a descendant of the emperor Seiwa (reigned ad 858–876), even royal lineage. His family name, Minamoto, is Genji in Chinese (Gen being the Chinese reading of ... (100 of 1,092 words)